Blue Jays emerge as favorites to sign Cody Bellinger
Toronto outfielder is a hot commodity on the free agent market
The Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as the favorite to sign outfielder Cody Bellinger, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The Blue Jays have been one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of a top-of-the-market left-handed slugger this offseason, and Bellinger fits the bill.
Bellinger, 27, is a former Rookie of the Year and MVP who has hit 144 home runs in his career. He is coming off a down year in which he hit .210 with 19 home runs in 95 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs. However, he is still considered one of the best young hitters in the game, and the Blue Jays are hoping that he can bounce back to his old form in Toronto.
The Blue Jays are not the only team interested in Bellinger. The Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies have also been linked to the outfielder. However, the Blue Jays are considered the frontrunners at this point, and they are reportedly willing to offer Bellinger a contract worth around $20 million per year.
If the Blue Jays are able to sign Bellinger, it would be a major addition to their lineup. He would give them a much-needed left-handed bat, and he would help to protect Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette in the middle of the order.
The Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 92-70 and missed the playoffs. However, they have made a number of moves this offseason to improve their team, and they are hoping that Bellinger can be the final piece of the puzzle.
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